What is the routine like at a Swiss boarding school? Discover Verbier International School

Many Brazilian families wonder how the daily life of a student at a boarding school in Switzerland works. The routine at a Swiss boarding school goes far beyond the classrooms, it will shape your child's personality, independence, and global vision. Let's explore what it's like to live and study at Verbier International School, one of the leading international schools in the Swiss Alps.

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Academic schedules: structure that respects learning

The routine at Verbier International School is carefully planned to maximize the potential of each student. The hours vary depending on the age group:

Elementary School

• Monday: 9:10 to 15:30
• Tuesday to Friday: 8:30 to 15:30
• Extracurricular activities: 15:30 to 16:30

Secondary School

• Monday: 9:10 to 16:30
• Tuesday to Friday: 8:30 to 16:30

The later start on Mondays allows students to return from any weekend activities rested and ready for a new learning week. This flexibility is characteristic of the best international boarding schools.

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Boarding school life: how students' daily lives work

Starting the day with energy

The daily routine at the VIS boarding school starts early but in a welcoming way. Continental breakfast is served from 7:00 to 8:00, allowing each student to organize their time according to their preference. This moment also serves for socializing and planning the day among the interns.

Post-class period: choices that develop autonomy

After classes, students have several options. They can participate in group activities, study in their private rooms, or work collaboratively with other students in the common rooms. This flexibility teaches time management and personal responsibility.

Dinner and community life

From 18:30 to 19:30, all interns eat their meals together, creating a sense of family and community. After dinner, there is time for quiet study in the rooms, entertainment such as movies or group games.

Skiing integrated into the curriculum: the unique differential of the Alps

One of the most striking features of the routine at VIS is the integration of skiing as part of the educational program. During the winter period (January to April), all students ski at least twice a week as part of physical education.

Available ski programs:

• “Fun & Improvement”: For beginners who want to learn and have fun safely
• Freeride Academy: For students starting in the 7th grade, focusing on advanced techniques
• Race Academy: Starting in the 5th year, with training sessions on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays
• Combi Academy: Combination of Race and Freeride for full development

All programs are carried out with the Ecole Suisse de Ski, guaranteeing professional instruction on the slopes of the Four Valleys, one of the largest ski areas in Switzerland.

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Extracurricular activities: development beyond the classroom

The routine at VIS includes a wide range of activities that develop varied abilities:

Daily activities (15:45-17:45):

• Tennis and golf
• Mountain biking
• Theatrical productions
• Yoga and water sports
• Chess and joinery
• International cuisine
• Music production and videography

These activities are not just “free time” - they are part of the holistic development that characterizes quality Swiss education.

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Weekends: Exploring Europe

Weekends at VIS are especially rich in cultural experiences and adventures. The routine includes:

Local activities

• Skiing and other winter sports (season)
• Mountain biking, golf and tennis (summer)
• Hiking through the Swiss Alps
• Sailing and surfing in nearby lakes

International tours

• Cultural trips to cities in Switzerland, Italy and France
• Tours to local attractions and music festivals
• Visits to nature reserves and museums
• Ski touring expeditions to regions such as Aletsch and Lenzerheide

Many of these activities are suggested by the students themselves, developing leadership and autonomy in the organization.

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International community: global networking since adolescence

With students from 20 different nationalities, the routine at VIS provides a truly multicultural experience. During meals, group studies, and activities, your child will develop:

• Natural fluency in multiple languages (English, French, German, Spanish)
• Deep cultural understanding from different countries and traditions
• International network of contacts That will last a lifetime
• Global Perspective essential for 21st century leaders

For families considering programs like High School Be Easy, the experience at a Swiss boarding school represents an even higher level of international immersion.

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Development of independence and responsibility

Responsibilities of interns

Students actively participate in community life, including:

• Simple boarding school maintenance tasks
• Organization of weekend activities
• Mutual support in studies
• Participation in boarding house decisions

24/7 expert supervision

The “houseparents” live at the boarding school and provide ongoing support, ensuring that students feel safe while developing independence. This oversight balances freedom with responsibility in a gradual manner.

Fundamental differences with the Brazilian system

Flexible academic structure

While the Brazilian system tends to be stricter, the VIS offers flexibility in the schedule for each student to accept challenges appropriate to their personal goals.

Integrated outdoor education

Unlike urban Brazilian schools, education at VIS incorporates alpine nature as a classroom, whether through skiing, hiking, or environmental projects.

International university preparation

Students prepare for Cambridge IGCSE and IB Diploma exams, globally recognized credentials, unlike the traditional Brazilian system focused on ENEM.

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Preparing for world elite universities

The rigorous but balanced routine at VIS prepares students for institutions such as:

• Ivy League Universities (Harvard, Yale, Princeton)
• Russell Group in the UK (Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College)
• Prestigious European universities (ETH Zurich, École Polytechnique)

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Cultural adaptation and personal development

First weeks: adaptation process

The school has specific protocols to facilitate the adaptation of new international students, including:

• Buddy system with experienced students
• Cultural orientation sessions
• Specialized psychological support
• Regular communication with families in Brazil

Long-term development

After the first few months, students typically develop:

• Confidence to navigate multicultural environments
• Communication skills in multiple languages
• Critical thinking and independent problem solving
• Natural leadership and teamwork

For students interested in exploring specific careers, programs such as vocational exchange can complement the solid basic training acquired at the Swiss boarding school.

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Technology and communication with the family

Modern connectivity

The routine includes specific periods for communicating with families through:

• Regular video calls with parents
• Weekly updates from houseparents
• Online portal with notes and activities
• Supervised access to social networks

Healthy digital balance

The school promotes balanced use of technology, teaching students to use devices as learning tools, not just entertainment.

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Costs and family investment

What is included in the routine

• Accommodation in rooms with private bathrooms
• Three balanced meals a day
• All academic materials
• Extracurricular activities and basic skiing
• Local weekend tours
• 24/7 supervision from houseparents

Additional investments

• Specialized ski programs (Race/Freeride Academy)
• Extensive international tours
• Specific sports equipment
• Trips back to Brazil during the holidays

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Be Easy

The routine at a Swiss boarding school like Verbier International School represents an investment in your child's complete education, combining academic excellence with personal development in a truly international environment. Our team specialized in Be Easy accompanies Brazilian families throughout the application and adaptation process, ensuring that your child has the best possible experience in the Swiss Alps.

Contact us and discover how we can make this educational journey a reality for your family.